Postdoctoral Scholar, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology

Nevada System of Higher Education • Reno, NV

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology at the University of Nevada, Reno invites applications for a two-year Postdoctoral Scholar position focused on research into the links between magmatism and mineral deposit genesis within Nevada. Magmatic systems within Nevada are associated with a number of different critical mineral-bearing mineral systems (e.g. iron oxide apatite (IOA)-iron oxide copper gold (IOCG), porphyry Cu-Mo-Au, Carlin-type Sb-Au, epithermal Au-Ag, carbonate replacement and skarn Zn-Pb-Au-Ag). This project will elucidate the links between magmatism, the tectonic evolution of Nevada, and the genesis of this wide range of critical metal-bearing mineral systems. The postdoctoral researcher will compile extant geochemical and zircon U-Pb, trace and rare earth element (TREE) and isotopic (e.g. Lu-Hf) data for evolved intrusions within Nevada in addition to the targeted generation of new whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb age, TREE, and Lu-Hf isotopic data for selected areas within the state that lack these data but are known to be related to individual mineral systems. The resulting whole-rock geochemical and zircon trace and rare earth element data will provide a basis for understanding the links between intrusions of different compositions and ages and individual mineral deposits and mining camps. The zircon TREE and Lu-Hf data will also be used to provide insights into metallogeny-related changes in magmatism, such as changes in magma fertility and oxidation state. The latter has been identified as a major control on the style of mineralization from east to west across the Great Basin, going from oxidized Cu porphyry-prospective intrusions into Utah to more Au prospective intrusions associated with systems like Phoenix and Carlin-type mineralization present in northern Nevada. These data will directly help delineate prospective areas for critical mineral exploration within the Great Basin as well as enhancing the knowledge of the genetic links between intrusive activity and critical mineral metallogeny within Nevada, delineating new target areas for mineral exploration in the state, and provide a comprehensive database of intrusion-related data for Nevada and the wider Great Basin.

Requirements

• Completion of a doctoral degree in Geology is required.
• The doctoral degree must have been completed within the five years immediately preceding the first date of appointment as a postdoctoral fellow at the University.
• The individual cannot have held previous positions in the professional ranks.

Responsibilities

• Compile extant geochemical and zircon U-Pb, trace and rare earth element (TREE) and isotopic (e.g. Lu-Hf) data for evolved intrusions within Nevada.
• Generate new whole-rock geochemical and zircon U-Pb age, TREE, and Lu-Hf isotopic data for selected areas within the state that lack these data but are known to be related to individual mineral systems.
• Use whole-rock geochemical and zircon trace and rare earth element data to understand the links between intrusions of different compositions and ages and individual mineral deposits and mining camps.
• Use zircon TREE and Lu-Hf data to provide insights into metallogeny-related changes in magmatism, such as changes in magma fertility and oxidation state.
• Delineate prospective areas for critical mineral exploration within the Great Basin.
• Enhance the knowledge of the genetic links between intrusive activity and critical mineral metallogeny within Nevada.
• Delineate new target areas for mineral exploration in the state.
• Provide a comprehensive database of intrusion-related data for Nevada and the wider Great Basin.

Benefits

• Health insurance options including dental and vision
• Generous annual and sick leave
• Life insurance
• E. L. Wiegand Fitness Center offers annual or semester memberships and spouse/domestic partner membership options.
• Many local businesses offer discounts to WolfCard holders
• Mountain EAP supports employees (and eligible dependents) through life's difficult moments.
• Faculty Dual Career Assistance Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees